Philip Batt, Development Officer with the group, said the boat is undergoing trials after the repairs before it can be again listed as a ‘operational asset’ and get involved in any rescues.

He added: “We’ll be glad to get it back in the water as there’s been no lifeboat for four weeks now. There’s a recognised need for a lifeboat in the Lagan, Belfast Lough area. We know that after working with the RNLI and the PSNI who said there was a need.

“While the boat’s been out of the water the nearest one was Bangor which is around 30 minutes away and considering we have an average of two incidents a month it’s just been lucky we haven’t had one while the repairs were ongoing. But the positive thing is the response we got from the crowd funding push.

“We got a big response including one person who donated £500. Including labour we reckon the bill for the whole lot’s going to be around £1,000.”

The damaged steering system (Image: @Facebook Lagan Search and Rescue)

Justice Minister David Ford yesterday praised the public for its support in funding the repairs. The minister was speaking during a visit to the Belfast headquarters of Lagan Search and Rescue where the lifeboat was put out of operation after the attack by vandals.

The attack was reported as being unusual at the time as the piece of equipment stolen would be incompatible with any other vessel and that it would have been very difficult to steal.

David Ford said: “This was a destructive act which endangered lives. But I have been very heartened by the overwhelming public response to Lagan Search and Rescue’s innovative idea to fund the repairs.

“Donations received from the public surpassed the amount required and I am delighted to learn that the lifeboat will be back in operation after repairs are completed in the coming weeks.

“I have been visiting many of the voluntary teams engaged in search and rescue work in Northern Ireland recently, and I have been impressed by the professionalism and dedication which they have all shown in support of the emergency services.”